Introduction

Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces a new addition to its Digital IXUS range - the Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55. Featuring a new interpretation of the iconic ?box and circle? design, the Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 has a unique starburst design radiating from the lens ring, and is finished in silver-white palladium plating on stainless steel. As ever, the functionality behind the new Digital IXUS model is as stunning as the camera itselves. The Canon IXUS 55 camera boast DIGIC II processing, and a massive 2.5? LCD. The Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 has 5.0 Megapixels and 3x optical zoom. Each Canon Digital IXUS is a statement in style, and the Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 is no exception.
Large LCD with wide viewing angle
In a new twist on the ?box and circle? design, the designers of the Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 have progressed the concept even further by adding a radiantly brilliant ring around the lens, producing a starburst effect. The Canon Digital 55 features an oversize 2.5? LCD display - while retaining all key controls and preserving sleek and slim body. The large LCD with wide viewing angle makes it easier to view and share images and movies during playback. The big LCD also makes it easier for the user to frame their shot and view menus, and is adjustable to 15 levels of brightness. New slide show functions allow review of images with stylish and contemporary transition effects applied in camera to create impressive slide shows with minimum user effort.
High quality prints
The Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 operates 5.0 Megapixels, and can produce quality photo prints to A3 size. The Canon IXUS 55 lens is constructed with 6 elements in 5 groups. The Canon camera lens includes two Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical (UA) elements for true to life colours and crisp, high contrast images. Can
DIGIC II Processor
The new Digital IXUS model features DIGIC II - Canon?s renowned processor ensures that the images recorded have superb resolution and colour quality, as well as giving improved camera performance overall. With 9-point AiAF, the camera automatically focus on the subject, even when it is off-centre. iSAPS intelligence ensures that the Digital 55 assess the scene and adjust the settings to achieve the optimum results. Three methods of exposure control can be selected; evaluative, centre-weighted, and spot; and ISO can be set to Auto, 50, 100, 200 or 400. For rapid downloading of images, the Canon IXUS 55 utilise a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface.
Shooting modes and special effects
The Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 covers a wide range of photographic situations by providing users with 15 or 14 different shooting modes, respectively. A selection can be made from Auto, Manual, Portrait, Landscape and Night Snapshot modes, or from the scene modes that now include an underwater setting, allowing users to take full advantage of the optional All Weather Case (AW-DC50) for the Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55. Underwater mode adjusts the white balance specifically for underwater shots, allowing capture of the most authentic colours and minimising any blue cast. My Colors allows the expansion of creativity in digital photography. Special effects such as Color Swap or Custom Color, which allows users to select their preferred colour balance for any given shot, can be performed in-camera and viewed on the LCD while shooting stills and movies. These effects could previously only be achieved using PC software after shooting.
Intelligent orientation sensor
The Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 Intelligent Orientation Sensor recognises when the camera is rotated from horizontal to vertical, automatically rotating stored images for correct playback. To help keep the camera level with the horizon and to assist with image composition, users can also opt to display gridlines on their LCD. Other user interface options have been enhanced or added, including the new world time zone display. This allows the user to set home and destination country time zones, as well as animated displays and improved warnings for camera shake. The camera menu can also be displayed in 22 different languages.
More than just photos
The Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 records high quality VGA movies - users can select between VGA and QVGA at 30 or 15 fps. Continuous filming is available until the file size has reached 1GB or 60 minutes - whichever is reached first. A fast frame rate of 60 fps is available, allowing for slow motion playback. Digital zoom can be employed whilst shooting, and for added effect, My Colors may also be used. Compact Movie mode, or QQVGA (160 x 120/15fps), is designed to make sharing movies via email as simple as possible.
Printing images
When used in combination with Canon?s new Compact Photo Printer SELPHY CP710 and Canon?s Ink and Paper Set (KP-108IP), prints can be produced for just 30 euro cents each. Printing via a SELPHY CP Compact Photo Printer also allows the user to print handy ID prints and movie prints. When connected to the latest range of PictBridge compatible PIXMA printers (also released today) image enhancement is possible with functions including Noise Reduction and Vivid Photo as well as the new Face Brightener feature. Printing of images without having to connect to a PC is made simpler via the Print/Share button, which also acts as an easy upload button for Windows XP and Mac OS X.
Comprehensive software
The Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 come bundled with the following Canon Software:

• ZoomBrowser EX 5.5, PhotoRecord 2.2 (Windows), ImageBrowser 5.5 (Macintosh): For easy image download, storage and retrieval, as well as management of image layout and printing.
• PhotoStitch 3.1: Creates stunning panoramas and can be used with Windows and Macintosh.
• Movie Edit Task: For editing and enhancement of movie footage.
• Also included is PhotoStudio, the photo manipulation software by ArcSoft.
• Purchasers of both the Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 and Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 are eligible for membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY , where they can upload images and customise their camera settings.
• The bundled software supports Windows 98 (SE), ME, 2000 (SP4), XP (SP1/3) and Macintosh OS X v10.2-v10.3. Both cameras support PTP for driverless transfer to supported Windows XP or Macintosh OS X.

Accessories
Accessories for the Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 include an All Weather Case (AW-DC50), and AC Adapter Kit (ACK-DC10). Stylish soft cases, befitting each camera?s design, are also available (Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55: DCC-60). The Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 is compatible with SD and MMC memory cards. The Canon PowerShot SD450/Digital IXUS 55 comes complete with 32 MB and 16 MB Canon SD cards respectively.